Farmers to protest rising diesel prices

Chandigarh, May 28

Farmers have decided to hand over keys of their tractors to the local authorities at Samrala in a symbolic protest over the rising diesel prices on Tuesday.

BKU chief BS Rajewal said: “Diesel is one of the major inputs in farm operations and despite tall claims by the government, no thought has been spared for the welfare of the farmers. Any increase in fuel prices has an adverse effect on prices of all farm inputs such as fertilisers, seeds etc.”

“The hike has come at a time when farmers are gearing up for the paddy season. The farmers will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 400 to Rs 700 per hour on diesel,” he claimed.

He appealed to commuters using the Chandigarh-Ludhiana highway on May 29 to use alternative routes to complete their journey in solidarity with the farming community. — TNS